Evaluating Some Immunological and Inflammatory Parameters Among Radiology Staff and Technicians in Kirkuk City Hospitals
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Introduction and Objective: X-rays have been widely used in medical imaging since their discovery, but chronic occupational exposure may induce immune and inflammatory alterations. This study aimed to evaluate selected biochemical and immunological parameters in X-ray technicians to assess potential effects of chronic exposure. Materials and Methods: The study included 50 X-ray technicians and 35 healthy controls from Al-Kirkuk and Azadi Teaching Hospitals, conducted between June 2024 and November 2024. Participants’ age, gender, and years of occupational exposure were recorded. Serum levels of TNF‑α, IL‑1α, IL‑6, IL‑8, IL‑17, CRP, sCD3, and sCD10 were measured using ELISA kits. Participants were stratified by years of work (0–5, 6–10, 11–15, 16–20 years) and analyzed according to age and gender. Results: A significant increasing in TNF‑α, IL‑1α, IL-6, IL-8 and IL-17 serum levels at p<0.05 (20.1 ± 4.2 pg/mL), (13.2 ± 3.0 vs 8.7 ± 2.2), (9.3 ±2.2 vs 5.5±1.6), (98± 23 vs 61±18), and (62±16vs38±12) respectively in compared with control group (12.4 ± 3.1 pg/mL and also in sCD3(7.8 ± 1.8 ng/mL)vs control group 5.2 ± 1.4 ng/mL, sCD107.0 ± 1.6 vs 4.8 ± 1.2 ng/mL, CRP 4.4 ± 1.2 vs 2.1 ± 0.8 clearly appeared in technicians staff with 16-20. No significant differences were found for any parameter between genders (p>0.05). Conclusions: Chronic occupational exposure to X-rays is associated with elevated serum cytokines, CD markers, and CRP, reflecting subclinical inflammatory and immune alterations. These findings highlight the need for ongoing monitoring and protective strategies for X-ray personnel.
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